Sherm and I had talked of buying a bigger fifth wheel...we had a small tongue type. I used a portion of life insurance $$ to buy that fith wheel. My youngest has a truck to pull it and we have used it for our yearly family camp-out/vacation last year. I plan on using it again this year and don't regret my decision. Hopefully you can make a good decision for you. Good luck. Kathy

You could rent a class B, and see how you like it before you buy. My husband and I were full timers for about 2 years. We had a 24 foot Class C motorhome. We spent 2 winters in Southern California in a campground on the bay. It was great while it lasted. Judith
(Class C- cab over the top, Class B-a van)

We always went tent camping at the most remote lakes up in the mountains. I really love that but I'm scared to go by myself - I'm not an expert at starting campfires or working the Coleman stove or changing flat tires when the mountain rocks slash them.... he always took care of that. I think I'm going to have to settle for more "civilized" places.... yes, I've been thinking about getting a camper for safety, but I'm going to wait a year to see how my finances go (he's only been gone 3 months).

We loved to camp. I will miss camping. I gave the pop up to my step daughter so they can take the kids camping. I agree with Judith, rent one first and see how you like it.

I lost my husband almost 2 months ago and summer is coming and I can't wait to go camping with the kids, I feel quilty I feel this way since my husband havn't gone out camping for few yrs due to his illness but I know he would love to be there and joining us. I too am thinking about buying a trailer but mixed feelings possibly going to rent vs buy just in case. I can relate to all said in this post. Take care, Cathy

Go for it! ....even your site "name" tells me your hearts on the road.

Your heart will tell you what to do. We used to go camping years ago. I am more now the hotel gal. But I say go for it. I personally would not want to go camping alone. How about a girlfriend or two. You might enjoy the company? Good luck in whatever you decide.

Honor your dreams. It's good to find passion in things that you enjoy. You deserve it. Just jump!!! Vicki

I'm thinking of doing the same. My thinking was if I didn't like I would sell the RV. KOA has cabins that look really nice and not that more expensive. Just a thought.

PS I've never been camping - can't imagine I would like, it but never tried. I think I would be ''interested'' in SMORES (???) and sitting by a campfire (??) I would love to just go out and see if I could survive! We were going to go on more adventuresome trips and tours....when we were both retired. Lesson learned -DON'T WAIT.

I use to love Camping. Only talked hubby into it once, and he hated it. He actually got up at 4 in the morning and said "see ya at home" and left. lol Maybe this will be one of those things i lost from my "before married life" i can take back. But would def have to have a friend , as the world has become too dangerous for a woman to camp alone. I do have an extended cab truck, could always just sleep in the locked truck, i guess. Hmmmm, now i am thinking about some summer trips. Thanks for the idea.

We loved camping and have camped all over the US. It is one of the things I was thinking I would never do again. But why? I'm a grown woman with all the camping skills I need (hubby actually learned from me!).. so I say go for it. I think some alone time in front of a campfire, with nature as a backdrop would be very healing... hmm.. now I'm thinking I need to dust off my sleeping bag...

All good comments, guys! Thanks. I forgot to mention that we own a 2-acre lot in a secure country subdivision with a property owners association. Most lots are not built on yet, and people use them for campgrounds. Mine is on the main road, very visible (safety). We have power, water and SEWER! I know several of the people who live around us there. We haven't camped there in 3 years. I'm longing to go. My RV would be secure (not as insecure as a pop-up). I can lock the door and have a cell phone. Never been any trouble there. Also, it's lake view. Now you can see why I want to go back. Huge grandfather oaks on our property, totally shady and a breeze flows all summer long because we are between 2 lakes. I think I'm talking myself into doing it!!!

Hey a DS camping trip? Where are you? Are there motels nearby for the folks who don't like DIRT , and snakes, but like campfires and SMORES?? I'm in Momma!!!

When we were first married we went camping (and backpacking) all the time, mostly because we like to get away from the crowds and out into nature. As time went on we had a ranch out in a rural area and campgrounds became compact and crowded, so it seemed couter productive. We still went on a couple of summer trips every year though.

What I really miss is our summer family reunion camping trip. We would go to mammoth lakes and get 4-8 campsites all together and as many family members as could make would be there for a week. We traded off who cooked for the whole camp each night so you usually only had to make dinner once or twice the whole trip. The kids would take turns going on outings with different aunts and uncles and we would sit around the campfire everynight just talking till late into the night (and making smores!).

But Diana was always the one who organized it so it didn't happen last year. I went with my son and the place was still beautiful but the feeling was gone. I am going to attempt to re-organize it for this summer and I believe that will be better.

I am sure I will want to get back out in the sierras as time goes on, it was the place I was always happiest.

-Pete-